An Expat Talks about Living in Quito, Ecuador

Comments about this Report

I just spent several days in Quito and my initial opinion is not very positive. The city is just filthy, the drivers are all related to Italian race drivers and and the traffic itself makes New York City seem tame. You have to watch yourself every minute or you will be robbed. The innkeeper, also an American is leaving after 5 years there. He cannot take it anymore. His wife is Ecuadorian and is begging him to leave. The pollution from the diesel powered busses and truck cannot be helped. Modern diesel engines adjust themselves for oxygen levels and at 9,000 feet the fuel/air mixture must be very rich which causes the black exhaust smoke.

I live in Quito, too, though I am looking for a rental in the valley of Cumbaya. I love it here. I can get around easily and find whatever I am looking for by just asking people. It helps that I speak Spanish. Going out of the city is pleasant as well as the cultures around are diverse and fascinating. I have enjoyed my time here tremendously and hope to continue living here for long time to come. I have several children and also find there is plenty to do and discover with them. So far, so good! I feel plenty safe here, though I don't spend time in the evening in the mariscal area or anywhere I feel uncomfortable (which could be said of any major city!) I am enchanted and grateful to be here.

I live in Quito, too, though I am looking for a rental in the valley of Cumbaya. I love it here. I can get around easily and find whatever I am looking for by just asking people. It helps that I speak Spanish. Going out of the city is pleasant as well as the cultures around are diverse and fascinating. I have enjoyed my time here tremendously and hope to continue living here for long time to come. I have several children and also find there is plenty to do and discover with them. So far, so good! I feel plenty safe here, though I don't spend time in the evening in the mariscal area or anywhere I feel uncomfortable (which could be said of any major city!) I am enchanted and grateful to be here.

Where do your kids go to school? We are looking at moving to Quito in the next 4 months and are trying to decide where to live and where to have our kids go to school. They are entering 4th and 7th grade.

This was written from a young persons bias as the Mariscal / Foch area is for people under 30.

I am seriously considering moving to Ecuador when I turn 65. I am single, Gay and not especially religious (lazy Buddhist l guess) and I can't afford retiring here in Southern California. I have focused my interests on 3 cities Quito, Cuenca and Loja. I am satisfied with a one bedroom apartment or small house in a safe, diverse neighborhood. I am not looking for luxury but reliability of electricity, water, water heater, access to internet and cell phone use. At my age healthcare is important and I am curious about the public health system. I welcome all advice, suggestions, the good, bad and ugly. I am really interested in moving for good, considered Mexico but I would have to leave in four years. But I do love Oaxaca and would enjoy finding an Ecuadorian version of Oaxaca. Thanks for your help in making my decision. I am 15 to 20 months away from making a move.